Category Archives: Budget

My little chicken : it almost sounds like one of those funny terms of endearment that the French use. they often say « My little duck » or « my little bunny » or « my little cabbage » or « my little flea » to children. Women often call each other « my hen »… so this almost strikes me as the male version. But no, it’s not a term of endearment, it is a brand new rotisserie spot in the middle of the Batignolles quarter. It is their third address in France, and the first one in Paris. And it is a hit, especially on Sundays for that midday meal. Their first Sundy open they actually ran out of chicken! It seems the Parisians want their roast chicken and to eat it too. Mon petit poulet…it’s even great for those on a student budget! So you really can have your chicken and eat it too!!!

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Nestled in the North Marais, is this darling little tea shop that Kasia and I went to recently for a little girl time. When I say little, I mean tiny. You’ll brush the knees of other tea drinkers as you head to the counter or a spot on the bench. So try not to go there after an afternoon of Paris shopping laden with purchases and shopping bags, unless of course it’s warm enough to sit on the terrace where there is a little bit more room.

It was chilly when we went so we opted for seats inside. It’s been open just under a year so far (as of Feb/March 2015), and will hopefully last as it is such a darling spot. Decorated in faux lily of the valley foliage that literally cover the entire ceiling, it is stocked with mix and match china that your grandmother may have collected, and offers home made pastries to tempt you with your tea. So feminine! Read more →

With a lot of web searching, a little DIY and some luck, I was able to create my ideal Paris circus nursery for Bébé Chéri. Ever since my circus themed wedding, I can’t seem to get enough of this fun inspiration. And now that Bébé Chéri is just about here (due April 2nd, 2015), I have finally finished his bedroom, and I am quite happy with it. After a lot of searching, and many happy « finds » I was able to create the exact ambiance I was hoping for : circus/carnival theme for a kid without it being too « babyish » and without over doing it too much. (Did I over-do it? You’ll tell me if I over-did it right???). I have listed here where I found most of the nursery decor, just in case any of you readers are searching. I can’t tell you that it will all be available, but at least you can get some ideas and inspiration!

I like to indulge a little sometimes. I may not have a massive recreational budget, but I can treat myself occasionally to fun things like, hot chocolate at the Hotel Bristol, or chocolate cake at Buvette Gastrothèque. Both require a budget of around 20 euros or less, and I consider that a decent price to pay for a little winter indulging in the city of light! Read more →

In my search for quality food that isn’t hampered with by too much science and technology (aka : GMOs) Chéri and I found a fantastic boutique that sells products made by monks all over France. Le Comptoir des Abbayes regroups products from small workshops, farms and ateliers of the hundreds of monasteries scattered all over the countryside. These Abbeys, places where monks seclude themselves to practice their religion and to pray, also are places of production of high quality goods that are wholesome and healthy for us and the Earth. You can find anything from hand made candles, to wines and spirits, to jams and fruit conserves to honey, hams and even soaps.

From the glistening of Christmas lights to the city’s silver white winters, there’s no denying that December is one of the best times of year to visit Paris.
So whether you’re keen to step out into the crisp wintry air, or you’d rather stay snug indoors, here’s what’s going on in and around the capital to help you make the most of your voyage en ville.

One of our favorite places to grocery shop is the covered market, Marché des Batignolles. Ithas got to be one of the friendliest neighborhood hubs in the 17th; it feels like you have been transported to a small provincial town what with the way people slow their pace and chat with each other, and me. The vendors share recipes and gush over good-tasting products. A trip here is inspiritaion to eat well, and cook often. Even Chéri is inspired (he goes there more often than I do!). Ever since we moved to this part of town he has suddenly become master chef chez nous. I am NOT objecting! Read more →

It’s Like New York has landed in Paris all of a sudden! (But suffice it to say that Paris is sweetly infiltrating New York as well). There are eateries and bistro joints popping up all over that have an authentic NYC/Brooklyn style to their charm. And frankly, I am not opposed since these two cities seem to have a little love affair with each other. Bagelstein is a lovely little franchise and can be found in several cities in Paris, and in several neighborhoods in Paris. It has arrived finally close to my work, which means I can indulge occasionally at lunch. Read more →